Lexical Summary nustazó: To nod off, to be drowsy, to slumber Original Word: νυστάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance slumber. From a presumed derivative of neuo; to nod, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep; figuratively, to delay -- slumber. see GREEK neuo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition to nod in sleep, to fall asleep NASB Translation asleep (1), got drowsy (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3573: νυστάζωνυστάζω; 1 aorist ἐνύσταξα; (ΝΥΩ, cf. νεύω, νευστάζω); the Sept. for נוּם; 1. properly, "to nod in sleep, to sleep (Hippocrates, Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plato, others); to be overcome or oppressed with sleep; to fall asleep, drop off to sleep," ((cf. Wycliffe) to nap it"): Matthew 25:5; the Sept. for נִרְדַּם, Psalm 75:7 2. like the Latindormito (cf. our to be napping), tropical equivalent to: to be negligent, careless (Plato, Plutarch, others): of a thing equivalent to to linger, delay, 2 Peter 2:3. Strong’s Greek 3573 (νυστάζω) pictures the momentary nodding of the head that precedes full sleep. In Scripture this ordinary physical action is charged with spiritual meaning: human inattention to God’s agenda on the one hand, and the unwavering vigilance of His righteous judgment on the other. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Matthew 25:5 – “When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.” Contextual Analysis Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins highlights the suddenness of the Kingdom’s consummation. All ten attendants experience physical fatigue as night deepens, yet only five had prepared sufficient oil. νυστάζω here exposes a universal human limitation—fatigue—even among the wise. The point is not to forbid rest but to stress continual spiritual readiness in spite of inevitable weakness. The delay of the bridegroom foreshadows the perceived delay of Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:4), testing the genuineness of discipleship. Peter turns the same verb on its head, assuring embattled believers that while false teachers may seem to prosper, “their destruction does not sleep.” By denying any drowsiness in divine retribution, he implicitly contrasts God with man: people grow inattentive, but the Lord’s justice stays alert. The imagery resonates with Psalm 121:4, “Behold, He who guards Israel will neither slumber nor sleep,” and serves to comfort the faithful and warn the corrupt. Theological Insights 1. Human frailty and responsibility – Scripture never romanticizes human capacity. Even the “wise” nod off. The parable teaches that preparedness (possessing oil) must be in place before weariness sets in. Grace supplies resources; believers must appropriate them in advance (Philippians 2:12-13). 2. Divine vigilance – God’s holiness cannot be dulled. Peter’s reassurance depends on the immutable character of the Judge. Judgment may appear delayed but is never forgotten (Ecclesiastes 8:11; Revelation 6:10). 3. Eschatological urgency – Both passages operate within an end-times framework. Slumber becomes a metaphor for complacency as “the night is nearly over” (Romans 13:11-12). Believers live in tension: resting in finished redemption while staying alert for imminent consummation. Historical and Cultural Background First-century Jewish weddings often began after sundown, the groom’s arrival time uncertain. Attendants would wait with lamps, sometimes for hours. In such a setting, momentary drowsiness was normal; the shame fell on those unprepared when the call finally came. Peter’s letter, written in a Greco-Roman context rife with itinerant philosophers and mystery cults, confronts teachers who marketed theology for profit. Declaring that their ruin never nods cast the verdict in vivid, everyday language hearers would grasp instantly. Practical Application for Ministry Today • Discipleship and leadership training must emphasize proactive spiritual disciplines—prayer, Scripture intake, fellowship—that stock the “oil” needed when corporate weariness sets in. Related Concepts • ἀγρυπνέω (“keep awake”)—Mark 13:33-37. Conclusion νυστάζω serves as a concise parable of the human condition: finite, often inattentive, needing constant supply from God. Yet in the same breath Scripture proclaims the sleepless certainty of divine justice. Together these uses exhort believers to live prepared lives, resting responsibly while ever alert to the soon-coming King and trusting that no unrighteousness escapes the gaze of the One who never nods. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 25:5 V-AIA-3PGRK: τοῦ νυμφίου ἐνύσταξαν πᾶσαι καὶ NAS: they all got drowsy and [began] to sleep. KJV: tarried, they all slumbered and slept. INT: the bridegroom they became drowsy all and 2 Peter 2:3 V-PIA-3S Strong's Greek 3573 |
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